Pre-light Experience

The Brick House Bricktoberfest 2023 comes in cellophane, and does not have a UPC sticker. The cigar has a single band, and has an additional artisanal complication of a fan tail cap. I weighed the cigar at 15.2 grams, and measured the humidity with the HumidiMeter Pro to 60.4%. I was picking up on aromas of light hay, wood and sweet tobacco from the wrapper. Out of the foot, I am getting a trifecta of light raisin, prune and tobacco.

First Third

My initial flavor impressions are creamy, light wood with the wood lingering into the post draw with a short finish. Some pepper develops on the post draw after a few puffs, more detectable on my lips. I find the retrohale to be a pleasant combination of chocolate, wood and pepper. Sweet wood defines the post draw as the first third continues.

Second Third

The second third is wood forward out of the gate, with a significant amount of lingering wood on the post draw. I find the retrohale defined by creamy baking spices and wood in the center. A consistent sweet tobacco leads off as it continues, with dry wood and baking spices to follow. I find all the flavors to be equally balanced halfway towards the mid point.

Final Third

Creamy wood is at the forefront in the last third, with mild wood and earth through the finish. Baking spices return to the retrohale as it progresses to the halfway point, with earth joining the post draw as well.

Burn

The burn is straight through the first third, and continues straight in the second third. In the last third, the cigar spontaneously goes out, requiring a re-light.

Draw

The draw is at most one notch towards the resistant spectrum, which puts it in the ideal range between open and resistant for an amazing draw.

Overall

The Brick House Bricktoberfest 2023 started out with an engaging and interesting first third, while the second and last thirds weren’t as dynamic for me, the flavors were still balanced and pleasant. The draw was perfect while the cigar went out in the last third, requiring a re-light. Despite the overall rating, this cigar was pleasant to smoke and I enjoyed the restrained nature of the strength. This is something I might return to, assuming it was still available for purchase, especially given that the price point is quite approachable. The total smoking time was 2 hours and 11 minutes.

John McTavish

SCORE

5.90

Cost/Point

$1.69

Scoring System

Personal Cigar Review: Brick House Bricktoberfest 2023